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How A Poker Player Can Perform In The Zone
By http://www.card-game-poker.com/

We have all been witness to athletic greatness. Like those gold medal winning Olympic performances on the bars, or on the ice, when an athlete appears to effortlessly flow through their routine. When their mind and body function in perfect harmony. When their concentration is so intensely focused that they seem detached from everything, even normal consciousness.

To the athlete, these are the moments known as performing in the zone. Performing in the zone is the state of mind that every athlete strives to attain in every competition. And, this goal is common to all forms of competition, whether the sport is mental or physical. It is even a goal in the mental sport of poker. In poker jargon, playing your 'A' game would be akin to performing in the zone.

So, how does a player add the zone to their arsenal of poker weapons? Here are some questions, which when answered, will provide some guidance:

• How do you know you are in the zone?
• How do you remember the zone?
• What are zone inhibitors?
• What are zone enablers?
• How do you turn on the zone?
• How do you prevent turning off the zone?

Before we begin, it is important to understand that the zone is not some mystical or mythical mental place accessible only by a small group of elite practitioners. Instead, the doors are open to anyone who has learned to focus their concentration. Achieving the zone is about not much more than learning the art of intensely focused concentration.

So, how does one know that they are in the zone? What happens? What does it feel like?

To answer these questions, think about your very best poker sessions, those when you performed near flawlessly. Or, about any other excellent performances in your life. Do you remember how you felt mentally and physically? Usually there is a big difference between these peak times and ordinary daily life.

Consider whether any of these elements were present (they usually are):

• Mentally and physically fresh and rested.
• Good frame of mind.
• No problems, worries, arguments, etc., to distract you.
• Prepared for the competition, both for the game and for the opponents.
• Mentally strong and confident.
• In command of mental tricks to achieve and maintain focused concentration.

Write down all that you can remember that defines your mental and physical state during your in the zone performances. And, all that you did in preparation for those events. The more details you can record the

better, because these notes will become your standard guide or routine for summoning the zone.

Likewise, keep a record of those times when you were not able to achieve or to maintain your 'A' game level of performance. Identify the problems that prevented or interrupted your concentration. Perhaps, you were:

• Tired,
• Distracted,
• Hurt,
• Hungry,
• Bored, or
• Angry.

The nemesis of concentration is typically your emotions. So, be prepared to look deeply for the reasons that might be preventing you from performing optimally.

Ultimately, your note keeping will arm you with a greater awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Then, you will be able to recognize the presence or absence of the conditions you require to achieve an in the zone performance.

Needless to say, it is only when everything is in order, that you should compete. And, if for some reason you must play anyway, you will at least be aware of your obstacles. However, for an on-line Sit n Go, there are no reasons good enough to enter until all of your conditions are right.

For some extreme examples of demanding 'right' conditions, recall some of the great chess matches, especially those of Bobby Fischer. Fischer absolutely would not play until his several pages of requirements concerning noise, distances, orientation, lighting, table elevation, seating arrangements, temperature, screening, and on, and on, were meticulously addressed. And, only then after his rigorous and repeated personal inspections. For those around Fischer, these rituals were maddening. But, this world class champion would not play until his conditions for achieving intense, uninterrupted concentration were right.

Of course, after a long day at the office, sitting down in front of a computer late at night in your pajamas to play in a quick poker tournament, is not exactly anyone's picture of a setting for a world class performance. But, in your mind it could be. And, why not? In your notes, you will have your personal template for achieving optimum mental performance in every competition.

So, be true to yourself. Treat every Sit n Go as if it were a world class competition. Make certain that all of your playing conditions are in order, then kill 'em with your 'A' game.

R. Steve McCollum is a long time Hold'em player. You may read many more Sit 'n' Go tips, tactics, secrets, and strategies on his poker blog at http://www.SitnGoHoldemPoker.com

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